Thuwal, Wednesday, May 26, 2010 - The Governor of Mecca, His Highness Prince Khalid Al Faisal, opened the first phase of the development of the town of Thuwal on May 26. This was followed the next day with a family event which thousands of people attended.

Three years ago, during the groundbreaking ceremony of the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud tasked the university – being built next to Thuwal - with working alongside Aramco on a plan to develop the town.

Central to the Thuwal Development Project are building infrastructure and creating more jobs for the townspeople. The improvement of the environment, protection of the local wildlife and enhancing the culture of the town are also seen as key developments.

Prince Khaled stressed the university’s important role in enhancing the social and economic development of the town. “Through this development project, the university has reached out to the society beyond its walls,” said the governor. He hoped that the project would be of great benefit to the people of Thuwal and help the progress of the entire town.

Minister Al-Naimi, Saudi Arabian Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, said that the development plan included a fishing harbor, a beachfront, and the establishment of schools, as well as launching cultural and health establishments. The first phase includes a new marina, fish market, public park, children’s playground and mosque. The roads surrounding Thuwal will also be developed during this phase.

Before the opening ceremony Mr Nadhmi Al Naser, Interim Executive Vice President, Administration and Finance at KAUST, expressed his gratitude to the university staff who had supervised and supported King Abdullah’s vision.

“All I can say on this great occasion is that we are proud of the contribution made by King Abdullah to develop our beloved country,” said Mr. Al Naser. “King Abdullah is a great leader and we are happy to have his trust in accomplishing his path towards improving the lives of the people who are our campus neighbors.”

In the days before the development was opened, Mr Nasser Al Nafissi, Vice President of Facilities and Community at KAUST, said phase two of the project should be completed in three years. This phase will include the construction of clinics, schools, roads and mosques. In phase three a training center and a fish factory are to be financed by the private sector.

Mr Al-Nafissi said the Thuwal Development Project was an important step towards the future. It would not only enhance the town but also serve as a role model for developing other cities and villages in Saudi Arabia

Mr Al-Nafissi added: “These projects aim to develop people and the investment in education is to create a better future for our valuable nation.”

Town elders spoke movingly of the development before the day of the opening ceremony. Mr Talal Jahdali said: “We are lucky in this blessed good country and with this wise leadership that nothing is spared for a better future for the nation and the people in every way.”

Elders Hamid Abo Shargia, a former diplomat, and Ghaazi Knadri, head of the Kenadra tribe, listened as fellow elder Hamid Faaran Jahdali said: ''All people of Thuwal, no matter how much gratitude they might try to express to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, know that it will never be enough. This project is an example of the stage of safety and security and stability our country has reached.”

Mr Saad Al Jahdali, the poet and historian, added: “Thuwal corniche is considered a great accomplishment and a real transformation in the history of the town. The corniche project will add to the beauty of the city and it will be a real window to all the people who visit Thuwal.”